The full programme for the 21st Edinburgh Mela launched today, offering its usual enticing mix of world music, dance, interactive craft sessions and a smorgasbord of fashions and foods for a weekend celebration of multicultural diversity.
World-class headliners supported by local community talents will entertain crowds of 30,000 in an unmissable two-day celebration at Leith Links on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th August.
Three live stages showcase live music and dance, from superstars in the making Raxstar and Mumzy protégé turned electrifying break-out star Junai Kaden, through to two-time Juno Award winner Kiran Alhuwalia who mixes African desert blues and Indian rhythms , and a showstopping gig from superstar bhangra producer and singer-songwriter Sukshinder Shinda.
The Mela World Dance Feste Stage offers the best contemporary and traditional dance talent from across the world, with highlights including the Premiere of 2015 commission Goddess choreographed by Edinburgh’s Alan Greig, ‘BBC Young Dancer Of The Year’ Vidya Patel with a new interpretation of classic Kathak dance, and B-Boys take on BMX riders in Roadworks.
Families as always are catered for with the popular Mela Kidzone which this year invites youngsters to Go Bananas! with plenty of engaging live performances and hands-on activities, plus the Global Food Village is a must-visit for keen foodies or anyone with a rumbling tum.
Chris Purnell, Director of the Edinburgh Mela says this year is "a pulsating celebratory mix of everything vital about our many rich and diverse cultures.”
The celebration at the heart of the Festival is showcased in the event billed as an unmissable Mela moment, Bollywood Love Story.
Directed by Sanjoy Roy of Teamwork Arts and in collaboration with the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo, a cast of top Bollywood dance professionals from India perform alongside 40 talented local performers in a classic Bollywood tale of romance and adventure.
Highlights of the show will be performed every night in August at Edinburgh Castle in front of a global audience of millions at the Tattoo, then the company will come together to perform the dazzling full-length showstopper on Sunday afternoon.
Early Bird tickets, available until noon on Friday 28th August are £4 and on sale now. Children aged 12 and under go free.
Browse the full programme and book tickets at www.edinburgh-mela.co.uk
Ticket Hotline: +44(0)131 226 0008
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